Belfast Telegraph

FA charge against Mourinho for using foul language not proven

- BY MARK CRITCHLEY

MANCHESTER United manager Jose Mourinho has escaped punishment after a Football Associatio­n charge for using foul language was “found not proven”.

Mourinho was charged with using abusive, insulting or improper language after United’s 3-2 comeback victory over Newcastle United on October 6.

The United manager (right) was alleged to have sworn into a pitch-side television camera in his native Portuguese after the final whistle.

However, an Independen­t Regulatory Commission panel yesterday ruled that the charge against Mourinho could not be proven, in what represents a rare defeat for the FA.

The decision is subject to appeal, though English football’s governing body is likely to wait until the publicatio­n of the panel’s written reasons before responding.

Mourinho, who formally denied the charge of improper conduct last week, risked receiving a touchline ban if he was found to have used ‘abusive’ language by the panel.

A statement from the FA read: “A charge against Jose Mourinho for allegedly using language which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper has been found not proven following an Independen­t Regulatory Commission hearing.

“It related to an incident at the end of the Manchester United versus Newcastle United game on October 6, 2018.

“Written reasons for the decision of the Independen­t Regulatory Commission will be published in due course. This decision is subject to appeal.”

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